On Saturday, July 9th, 2022, URBN SOCIAL had the pleasure of attending the annual Sistahs In Business Expo in Philadelphia, and it was the reset we all needed!
The Sistahs In Business Expo embraces you like family! Founder and CEO Aisha Taylor Issah is all about her business and yours! “When my Sistah wins, we all win.” Bringing women of color together in a space that allows you to be yourself. Network and engage with women in business and take advantage of the resources and inspiration needed to build and grow yours.
WE WERE IN THE AJ ZONE
Actress, Life Coach, and Entrepreneur AJ Akua Jackson opened the expo with energy that commanded the room’s attention. Starting us off by asking a pivotal question, WHY?
Why are you the best person for the job? Why did you decide to start a business, and who is your audience? The profound yet simple answer to those questions is rooted in YOUR story. Everyone has a story, and she shared hers. Giving us a glimpse of how she turned the tragedy of losing her mother to cancer into building a successful brand that personifies health and wellness. The AJZone exemplifies everything that we saw within her at the expo and more. “We are all stewards.” “You have to own it.” Emphasizing that “you are your brand” and carrying yourself like a boss! You can see AJ on Life Therapy on TV One Tuesdays at 10 PM/9P.
Powerhouse Panelist
Let’s introduce you to the powerhouse panel of trailblazing women. Philomina Kane of Kin Apparel, a successful clothing line seen on Shark Tank, well-known for satin-lined hoodies that fit all hair types and lengths. Wanna rock an afro, “no problem”! Locs, “they got you”! This line is colorful, convenient, and comfortable. You have to check out the satin bonnet pillowcases, genius!
Owner Zyhkeya Waller inspired by her daughter to create Zurifab. A luxury athleisure and accessories brand for women of all shapes and sizes. She gives us affordable, stylish, and multifaceted fashion, keeping it Simple, Beautiful, and Fabulous!
Syreeta Scott of Duafe Hair Salon has been in the natural hair industry for over 25 years. She makes you look and feel good, while dropping nuggets of knowledge along the way. There’s no better teacher than one with experience and integrity to tell you that things aren’t as easy as they look. You may get bumped and bruised along the way, but success comes through hard work and determination! Syreeta fearlessly created a space for natural hair when it wasn’t considered a beauty standard and continues to thrive. Duafe is her activism, and she celebrates the beauty you were born with.
Attiyah Blair, Real Estate Investor and mentor, made her start at the ripe age of 23. Sick and tired of being sick and tired, Attiyah went from making $32k a year to earning seven figures helping 100’s of women purchase their first, second, and even third homes while expanding her brand to nearly eight figures. If real estate investing intrigues you, check out her Real Estate Reset, where Attiyah will share her top 5 Secrets to Building a Multi-Million Dollar Real Estate Portfolio.
Tyshanique Hamilton, CEO & Founder of Flora Lonae went from weighing over 300 lbs to creating a cream that helps drip the fat away. Rub on the cream with their waist trainer and drip bag, and get to work! You are your only setback. The power is in your hands, but sometimes we need help to accomplish our fitness goals. Tyshanique is a walking testimony that it can be done, and she is the person to help you get there.
Yandy Smith-Harris discussed juggling a work-life balance while staying true to her convictions. Being a mother is a full-time job in itself! How about being a wife, media personality, activist, and entrepreneur on top of that. In a fireside chat with NBC Philly’s Aunyea Lachelle. Yandy has her hands full with husband Mendeecees Smith, adding a restaurant into the equation. “Dancing Crepe” specializes in sweet and savory crepes from lump crab to lobster and shrimp, located in Atlanta, Georgia. Everyone is raving over the delicious food and fun atmosphere. Through it all, Yandy takes everything with style, grace, and humility.
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS FROM THE SISTAHS IN BUSINESS EXPO
Sophisticate Designs by Angie 
Philomina Kane – Kin Apparel: @kinapparel_ 
AJ Akua Johnson and Aisha Taylor Issah 
AJ Akua Johnson: @theajzone 
Miabelle and AJ Akua Johnson 
Ziggy Inspired: @ziggy_inspired 
Miabelle (Radio Personality) @miabellenyc 
LFTD Infused Tea: @LFTD_intea 
DJ Lady FX: @djladyfx 
Moravia Health 
Tribe Worldwide Apparel Co 
Melanie Cunningham Law Office 
Lively Naturale: @livelynaturale 
Atisha Benjamin – Sigma Candles: @signs.candles 
Ayana Blount – The Passion Strategist: @thepassionstrategist 
Rich Coast: @rich.coast 
District Maker: @districtmakers 
Enhance By Nature: @enhancebynature 
Kafuné Hair: @kafuneamorhaircare 
Superpower Panelists – From left to right: Tyshanique Hamilton, Philomina Kane, Attiyah Blair, Syreeta Scott, Zyhkeya Waller 
Survivante Collection: @survivante_collection 
The Sistah Shop: @sibexpo 
Aisya Carroll – Survivor Not By Chance: @survivornotbychance 
Flora Lonae: @FloraLonae 
T.A.S.K (The Amazing Sensational Kids) @theamazingSensationalKids 
10.30 Designs: @10.30designs
This year’s Sistahs In Business Expo in Philadelphia was beyond a joy to attend, like seeing old friends, and we can’t wait to attend next year! If you missed this expo, don’t worry, the next stop is the DMV on August 13th, Atlanta on September 10th, and Newark on October 21st and 22nd. For tickets and additional information, click HERE, and follow Sistahs In Business Expo on Instagram and Facebook for updates.
